Event FAQ

FAQ

General Information:

Are you a person who loves adventure? Do you like to go outside of your comfort zone and try new things? If so, this event is for you. Take part in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rappel Over The Edge. This is Ames first Over the Edge event, where thrill-seekers rappel Over the Edge of The Edge building in Campustown. This will be the most exhilarating fundraising event in the area, and by raising at least $1000 you can rappel over the edge and support the Boys & Girls Club of Story County! This event will take place on Friday October 27 from 8 a.m. to around 6 p.m. at The Edge apartment building in Campustown in Ames.

What is it like?

This is not your typical rock climbing rappel down a wall event. You’ll be wearing a full-body industrial harness & using an industrial descender to go down. You will be able to control your speed, to a certain extent. Should you go too fast, Over the Edge’s backup device will engage and slow you down. The most difficult part of the rappel is getting your weight off the roof and into the harness. Before you do the official rappel you will have an opportunity to practice your technique during your pre-rappel training session, where a technician will help guide you through these first few steps. During your rappel you will have a radio on to communicate with your technician. Rappelling can sometimes take more effort than expected. You may find that your hands or arms get tired. If so you can stop to rest, switch hands or if you find yourself unable to do it on your own a technician will help and lower you to the ground. It usually takes about 10-15 minutes to do the actual rappel but the full experience will take 60-90 minutes, which includes the training, getting suited up and the paperwork.

Can anyone do it?

Yes! No previous rappelling experience is necessary. As long as you weigh between 110-300 pounds you will be able to go over the edge. This event is also handicap accessible.

What should I wear?

You’re going to be walking down the side of a building so make sure to wear good comfortable, closed toed shoes. Well-fitted sneakers, light hiking boots, or other soft-soled shoes are recommended. No sandals, slip-on shoes, slippers, flip flops, high heels, or steel toed boots will be allowed. We suggest that you wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. The harness goes around your legs, waist and shoulders, so it is best to avoid anything too bulky. Shirts should be comfortable and without draw cords. Long should will need to be tied back. No extra items, such as cell phones, keys, long dangly jewelry, will be allowed on the roof. We will provide you a place to store these items. Some people choose to wear costumes when they go over the edge and we are fine with that, as long as they meet the same standards listed above, but no capes allowed.

Can my friends and family watch?

Absolutely! We will have food trucks, games and more by the landing area. It’ll have a great view to take additional pictures and videos of everyone coming down the side of the building.

How do I secure a position to go Over The Edge?

You must raise a minimum of $1,000 for the Boys & Girls Club of Story County during the fundraising period (May 1, 2017 to August 31, 2017). We will provide you with all the support you need to reach your fundraising goal including a crowdfunding site, access to literature about the event and Boys & Girls Club of Story County, email and social media post templates, gatherings to meet with other rappellers and more!

Individuals vs. Teams:

For this event you can sign up as an individual or as a team. Please note that to go over the edge you must raise $1,000 even if you are on a team. If you think you would create a team to fundraise with, please click on https://www.crowdrise.com/bgcscovertheedge and register, creating your own team name. Then invite your friends to join you on your team! This can create friendly competition, and there may be prizes for the highest earning team! The goal is still $1,000/person on the team to rappel, however you can “share the wealth.” If the average for each team member is $1,000 or more, then you can ALL rappel! (If there are 4 of you: 2 raise $1,200, 1 raises $1,000, and 1 raises $600 then all can rappel). But just remember if your whole team only fundraises $1,000 only one person from your team can rappel.

Incentive Levels:

Graduate Club - $1,000

· Get to rappel Over the Edge

· You and 1 guest will get invited to our kick-off event the night before